Thinking, Fast and Slow

By: Daniel Kahneman

Narrated by: Patrick Egan

Length: 20 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

The guru to the gurus at last shares his knowledge with the rest of us. Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman's seminal studies in behavioral psychology, behavioral economics, and happiness studies have influenced numerous other authors, including Steven Pinker and Malcolm Gladwell. In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman at last offers his own, first book for the general public. It is a lucid and enlightening summary of his life's work. It will change the way you think about thinking.

Two systems drive the way we think and make choices, Kahneman explains: System One is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System Two is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. Examining how both systems function within the mind, Kahneman exposes the extraordinary capabilities as well as the biases of fast thinking and the pervasive influence of intuitive impressions on our thoughts and our choices. Engaging the reader in a lively conversation about how we think, he shows where we can trust our intuitions and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking, contrasting the two-system view of the mind with the standard model of the rational economic agent.

Kahneman's singularly influential work has transformed cognitive psychology and launched the new fields of behavioral economics and happiness studies. In this path-breaking book, Kahneman shows how the mind works, and offers practical and enlightening insights into how choices are made in both our business and personal lives - and how we can guard against the mental glitches that often get us into trouble.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2011 Daniel Kahneman (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A tour de force... Kahneman’s book is a must read for anyone interested in either human behavior or investing. He clearly shows that while we like to think of ourselves as rational in our decision making, the truth is we are subject to many biases. At least being aware of them will give you a better chance of avoiding them, or at least making fewer of them.” (Larry Swedroe, CBS News)

“A major intellectual event... The work of Kahneman and Tversky was a crucial pivot point in the way we see ourselves.” (David Brooks, The New York Times)

“[Thinking, Fast and Slow] is wonderful, of course. To anyone with the slightest interest in the workings of his own mind, it is so rich and fascinating that any summary would seem absurd.” (Michael Lewis, Vanity Fair)

Fantastic read on how we make decisions

I loved that this book actually provided concrete examples of mistakes we make in coming to decisions while also providing mechanisms for mitigation of those mistakes. I also appreciate how the author takes time to build and explain simple models that drastically simplify the process of understanding the sometimes very complex cognitive scenarios he describes. apparently the book includes a number of reference materials and figures that were mentioned in the audio, however, I felt the description of them was adequate to facilitate the point of the figures even though I couldn't look at them.

Loved it

Well I liked the end so therefore I liked all of it. Joking aside this is a great book and will help me think more critically about decisions I make.

GREAT - best for what it is

This book explores the delta between science and intuition and points out flaws in our intuition. This has some very great insights into the human psyche and will be a great foundation of knowledge for anyone trying to understand knowledge, intellect, intuition, statistics and a host of other topics that have been brought together over the course of Kahnemn's career. This book can be his legacy.

Dry but very important

Excellent information on decision making and extensive evidence for the non-rationality of human decisions. Important implications for public policy changes that Nudge us in the direction of improved self-interest. Thank you, Dr. Kahneman

Interesting research, written well, horrible narration

Kahneman's meticulous rigor and intriguing results were devalued by Egan's elevated emphasis on intellectual delivery.

Changes Thinking For The Better

This book improves the way anyone would perceive the world, no matter their experience with psychology. It can be a little dry at first, but its objective presentation and the immediate and profound applications of its conclusions to everyday life and long term decision making make it worth every chapter.

Solid book to read, GREAT book to have read.

Differences in cognitive thought processes

What made the experience of listening to Thinking, Fast and Slow the most enjoyable?

I believe that the content of the book was the aspect of the book which I most enjoyed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Thinking, Fast and Slow?

There was no singular moment which I enjoyed the most, but the information which was presented candidly described how and why people come to the many biased thoughts which are heard around the world all the time.

Which character – as performed by Patrick Egan – was your favorite?

There weren't really different characters, just the two different "systems" described by Daniel Kahneman used to help convey the idea of fast and slow processing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really, it would have been too much information to absorb all in one sitting.

As a Barber in Houston over 10 ys, this 📚is a 💎!

As a Barber in Houston, TX for over 10 years, this book is an amazing tool when undestanding how to approach people or other energies a person may encounter in business, clientle, and most especially developing a healthy work/life balance.

Great read, lots of hood info

I highly highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about behavioral economics psychology decision-making cognitive process and so much more a really good book with a lot of great information

I hate this book? Makes you think!!

Well, the more I know, the more I know I know nothing. This is a very good read as it make you think about how humans really react to any situation, wether you want to or not. It was good to listen to the book as the math problems I did not do. Ha, Ha. It does give very good examples of how we (humans) are swayed by our known beliefs and biases. I had a few very long discussions with co-workers about this book. How we can read the same thing and come to completely different conclusions. Makes you think!